By Christian AF Podcast
- A Reconstructionist Podcast -Christian AF was born after a few long conversations over good beers, where we realized that life, and faith, aren't as simple as we grew up believing. We started won
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The podcast currently has 118 episodes available.
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Leadership and discipleship—two words we hear a lot in church, but do they really mean what we think they do? In this episode of the Christian AF Podcast, Jesse, Jen, and Evan dive into the messy overlap of leadership and discipleship in the church. Is leadership about casting the widest net, or is it about leading people deeper into faith? And when did discipleship become more about programs than relationships?
The crew takes a hard look at the history of leadership in the modern church, from the corporate-style CEO model to the disciple-making movement that often feels slower—but might actually be the fastest way to grow the Kingdom. Along the way, they explore how leadership has shifted away from spiritual formation and toward spreadsheets, stats, and shallow retention.
If you’ve ever wondered why the church sometimes feels more like a business than a body of believers, or how discipleship fits into your day-to-day life, this episode is for you. So grab a drink, lean in, and rethink what leadership and discipleship could look like in a healthier, more intentional church.
EPISODE DRINKING NOTES:
Colonel E.H. Taylor Small Batch Bourbon
Frankfort, KY
Straight Bourbon Whiskey | 100 Proof
Pig Minds Brewing – Vanilla Maple Stout
Machesney Park, IL
Stout | 6% ABV
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The election may be over, but the tension isn’t. In this episode of the Christian AF Podcast, Jesse, Jen, and Evan take a deep breath, grab their drinks, and tackle the big question: "Now what?" With post-election emotions running high, we explore how to navigate this moment as people of faith without spiraling into the usual political drama. We’re keeping it real and throwing in some sarcasm for good measure.
They dig into what it means to live out your faith in a politically divided world, why Christians can’t fall into the trap of making politics their "gospel," and how to keep things in perspective when everyone around you seems to be losing it. So grab a drink, take a deep breath, and join us for a timely, unfiltered look at what it means to truly embody a Christ-like response in a chaotic post-election world.
EPISODE DRINKING NOTES:
Pig Minds Brewing Co. – Bitch Slap
Machesney Park, IL
American Amber | 5.5% ABV
Velvet Robot Coffee
A blend of caffeine and coping mechanisms.
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Buckle up, because we're diving into some of the weirdest, most mysterious stuff the Bible has to offer – and it involves giants, fallen angels, and things that sound like they're straight out of a fantasy novel. This episode of the Christian AF Podcast tackles the Nephilim—yep, those elusive beings mentioned briefly in Genesis and Numbers that have sparked endless debates, theories, and, let's be honest, some hilarious conspiracies.
Jesse, Jen, and Evan explore who (or what) the Nephilim might have been, how they fit into the biblical narrative, and why some Christians are obsessed with them. We also dig into the weirdness of the Book of Enoch, the connection to fallen angels, and why you might want to take some of these stories with a grain of salt. And as always, we keep it real, honest, and a little irreverent—because what's a good Bible study without some sarcasm?
So pour yourself something strong, strap in, and get ready for a rollercoaster ride through ancient history, modern myths, and a few laughs along the way.
EPISODE DRINKING NOTES:
Maplewood – Charlatan American Pale Ale
Chicago, IL
American Pale Ale | 5.6% ABV
Topo Chico – Blueberry Hibiscus
The non-alcoholic star of the show.
Jesse's DIY Whiskey Mix
A questionable combo of bourbon, bitters, and a touch of "why not?"
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Ever thought about planting a church? Well, before you grab your Bible and shovel (metaphorically, of course), you might want to take a listen to this episode of the Christian AF Podcast. Jesse, Jen, and Evan unpack the "folly" of church planting, revealing why it's not always the holy grail it's cracked up to be.
We dive into the messy realities: the burnout, the big promises of fast growth, and the cold, hard stats showing that more churches are closing than opening. As always, there’s a healthy dose of sarcasm and plenty of tangents about beer, bands, and bad theology along the way. The truth? Maybe the key isn’t planting more churches but focusing on discipleship and community in ways that actually last.
So, before you quit your day job to start a mega-church, grab a drink and buckle up—this one’s going to challenge what you thought you knew about church planting.
EPISODE DRINKING NOTES:
Oskar Blues Brewery – 10 FIDY Imperial Stout
Colorado, USA
Imperial Stout | 10.5% ABV
Scorched Earth Brewing Company – German Helles
Algonquin, IL
Helles Lager | 4.7% ABV
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Ever wondered what the heck a denomination is and why we even have them? Well, grab a drink and brace yourself because this episode of the Christian AF Podcast dives into the history, the misconceptions, and the modern-day relevance (or lack thereof) of church denominations.
Jesse, Jen, and Evan go deep into why denominations exist, how they started, and what they mean for us today. Whether you grew up Catholic, Lutheran, Baptist, or in the wild west of non-denominationalism, there's something in this episode that will make you question everything you thought you knew about the church. We also tackle the big question: is joining a denomination really that big of a deal? Spoiler: it depends.
So pour yourself a glass of something strong (or weak, we don't judge), sit back, and enjoy this rollercoaster of a conversation that might just change how you view the church.
EPISODE DRINKING NOTES:
Big Lake Brewing – Careless Whisper
Holland, MI
Hazy IPA | 6.7% ABV
Scorched Earth Brewing Company – German Helles
Algonquin, IL
Helles Lager | 4.7% ABV
Jesse’s Prohibition Lemonade
A mix of bourbon, Topo Chico Blueberry Hibiscus, Candy Cloud Lemonade, and a dash of bitters. It's just as extra as it sounds.
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Ever had a conversation so good, that you had to do it twice? Well, that's exactly what happened with this episode of the Christian AF Podcast featuring Tim Whitaker from The New Evangelicals. That's right, folks. We managed to forget to hit record the first time around (classic us), but trust us, this take is worth the wait.
In this episode, Jesse, Jen, and Evan dive deep with Tim into the chaotic world of modern evangelicalism. Tim shares his journey from growing up in a conservative evangelical environment to founding The New Evangelicals, a digital-first nonprofit that's shaking up the conversation around faith and politics. We explore the messy intersections of theology, social justice, and how the church is (or isn't) stepping up in today's world.
From discussing the problematic ties between faith and politics to the frustrations of church volunteerism, we cover it all—complete with some good ol' fashioned sarcasm, of course. Tim doesn’t shy away from calling out the absurdities within the church, all while sharing a vision for a better way forward.
So, grab your favorite drink (bonus points if it's blueberry coffee), sit back, and join us for a conversation that's as real as it gets. No punches pulled, just honest talk about faith in a complicated world.
EPISODE DRINKING NOTES:
OUR BREWING – Holland Oats
Holland, MI
Oatmeal Stout | 6.3% ABV
SCORCHED EARTH BREWING COMPANY – HEY CHICAGO WADDYA SAY?!
Algonquin, IL
German Helles Lager | 4.7% ABV
7-ELEVEN – Blueberry Coffee
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What does Jesus value about the church, and how does that compare to what we value today? In this insightful episode of the Christian AF Podcast, Jesse, Jen, and Evan delve into the core question of values within the church. They explore the nuances of what Jesus might prioritize versus the values often emphasized in modern church communities.
Throughout this thought-provoking conversation, the hosts examine specific examples like generosity, prayer, and high production values. They challenge listeners to reassess their personal and communal values, aligning them more closely with the teachings of Jesus. Drawing on theological insights, personal stories, and practical advice, this episode offers a rich, reflective journey into what it means to truly live out Christian values.
So, grab your preferred beverage settle in, and join us as we navigate the profound questions of faith, community, and the essence of what it means to be the church.
EPISODE DRINKING NOTES:
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Ever wondered about the difference between faith and belief? In this episode of the Christian AF Podcast, Jesse, Jen, and Evan dive into the profound yet often misunderstood distinction between these two concepts. They explore how Western culture and Bible translations have blurred the lines between faith and belief, potentially fueling the rise of deconstruction within the church.
Join the hosts as they discuss the implications of prioritizing belief over faith, the influence of charismatic leaders, and the vital role of the Holy Spirit. Through theological insights, historical examples, and personal stories, they unpack how faith begins where belief ends, calling for trust and commitment beyond mere cognitive understanding. This episode challenges listeners to reconsider the foundation of their faith and how it can endure beyond the finite nature of human belief.
So, grab your preferred beverage, settle in, and join us as we navigate the crossroads of faith, belief, and the essence of Christian life.
EPISODE DRINKING NOTES:
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Today we're talking about the great recoil (as Evan calls it). We've noticed that many churches have tried to recoil back into what was comfortable before the pandemic because it's comfortable instead of growing and evolving from that time. Is that ok? Should we be trying to create something more? What are the members of the faith community looking for in 2024? Let's discuss!
EPISODE DRINKING NOTES:
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In this episode of the Christian AF Podcast, hosts Jen, Jesse, and Evan sit down with David Fitch, an author, professor, and pastor, to discuss his new book, "Reckoning with Power: Why the Church Fails When It's on the Wrong Side of Power." The conversation covers a range of topics including the dynamics of power within the church, the impact of Christian nationalism, and the importance of humility and community in church leadership. Fitch shares insights into his theological journey and the concept of neo-Anabaptism, emphasizing the need for the church to return to a more authentic, grassroots form of community and leadership. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on how the church can navigate the complexities of power in today's world.
EPISODE DRINKING NOTES:
RECKONING WITH POWER
http://bakerpublishinggroup.com/books/reckoning-with-power/389820
DAVID FITCH SUBSTACK
https://davidfitch.substack.com/
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The podcast currently has 118 episodes available.
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